The Grape
The Albariño grape has been grown in Galicia for centuries. Its origin is rather mysterious. Some believe that it is a cousin to Riesling from Germany's Mosel Region. This would have been brought to Galicia in the Middle Ages by monks making the pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
Others maintain that it is indigenous to the region, pointing out that just to the south in Portugal, some of that nation's finest white wines are made from the same grape, called Alvarinho. The Albariño grape loves the shallow and sandy soils of Galicia and at its best makes a remarkably floral wine with good acidity and lingering flavors. This is a wine that fits well into the palate of international wines while keeping its roots firmly planted in the soil of Spain.
The Blend
100% Estate Albariño
Tasting Notes
Mild lemon gold, with a pale trim. Clean, fresh, lychee and herb butter nose. Warm and elegant. Fabulous fine, ripe pear palate with some oregano and melon behind a lovely grip of acidity. Super length, with great finesse.
Food Affinities
As always, a perfect aperitif wine, as we have come to expect from Vionta Albariño. It has a brisk and tempting acidity that stimulates the appetite. Pairs very well with cold cracked crab or any grilled white-fleshed fish. But with its layers of flavor, it would also work well with a spicy Thai red curry or a Chinese black bean sauce. Also try it with grilled mushrooms, chilled avocado soup or a mild blue cheese.
Wine Ratings & Reviews
SILVER MEDAL- Vionta Albariño 2008
- 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition
90 POINTS - Vionta Albariño 2007
"A rich, heady white , this win's ull-on apple nd pear-skin flavors turn toward more exotic scents of guava and agave as it takes on air. The mineral intensity builds as well, a saline flavor of chalk and fresh cream that lasts. For roast sea bass."
- Wine & Spirits, July 2009
86 POINTS - Vionta Albariño 2007
"From the Freixenet group of wineries, Vionta is clean...green apple and lemon flavors, which are wet, fresh and zesty....A good wine..."
- Wine Enthusiast, December 15, 2008
85 POINTS
"
This light white is ethereal in texture, whispering notes of pine, citrus and green almond before it vanishes in a light floral finish."
- Wine Spectator, February 28, 2009
View all wine ratings and reviews for Vionta Albarino.
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